Feeding your need for new ideas at Farm Science Review
Ohio Farm Bureau is featuring innovative agricultural technology solutions and cutting-edge research at this year’s Farm Science Review Sept. 17-19.
Read MoreThe center will advance student learning and workforce development in animal agriculture. It is expected to be completed in fall 2025.
At a ceremony Jan. 30, Ohio State University broke ground on the $52 million Multispecies Animal Learning Center, which will advance student learning and workforce development in animal agriculture.
The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences will build the state-of-the-art facility at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory on the Columbus campus, a project Ohio Farm Bureau supported funding for in the last state budget.
Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., who spoke at the groundbreaking on his 30th day on the job, said, “Agriculture is critically important, not only for states like Ohio, but for our nation and our world.”
The MALC will facilitate education in essential STEM fields and will foster workforce development for diverse careers such as animal sciences, engineering, food science, human nutrition, and health. Inside the facility, students will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience with swine, equine, poultry, cattle, sheep and goats. The public will have a chance to learn about modern livestock production with tours; a viewing area into the animal barns; and interactive, educational displays.
“This is a game-changer for us. It is integral to our vision for Waterman and will be a world-class facility that brings people and animals together for hands-on learning, engagement and programming,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES.
As an expansion of the original MALC project, a new, modern dairy will also be constructed at Waterman to replace the aging dairy facility. It will feature robotic milking technology and the latest in precision dairy technologies, feed systems and waste management. The new dairy will meet educational and research needs, with a projected completion date of winter 2025.
CFAES is actively fundraising while moving forward with MALC construction, with opening expected in fall 2025. At present, $16.4 million has been secured, including a $10 million investment from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the General Assembly allocated in the state budget and a $4 million commitment from Nationwide received in November.
The new multispecies center will bolster Ohio State’s ability to offer interdisciplinary teaching and research opportunities. Additionally, it will provide space for Ohio State University Extension and youth development programs, such as 4-H and FFA, and their events.
Photo caption: At the groundbreaking ceremony in January for Ohio State University’s $52 million Multispecies Animal Learning Center were, from left, Chad Jester, vice president, corporate citizenship & president, Nationwide Foundation; Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES; Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.; Devin Fuhrman, Nationwide chief agriculture and sponsor relations officer; and Adam Sharp, Ohio Farm Bureau executive vice president.
Ohio Farm Bureau is featuring innovative agricultural technology solutions and cutting-edge research at this year’s Farm Science Review Sept. 17-19.
Read MoreCrawford, Marion, Morrow and Richland County Farm Bureau summer intern for 2024 is Sarah Hoak.
Read MoreThe center will advance student learning and workforce development in animal agriculture. It is expected to be completed in fall 2025.
Read MoreOn this Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast, get an update on trade and a 2024 energy outlook from experts with The Ohio State University.
Read MoreOn this episode of the Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast, learn about new resources created for landowners and farmers to help them navigate the ins and outs of landownership and the farm bill.
Read MoreLearn about the new Trimble Tech Labs coming to Ohio State, get tips to manage the risks of switching crops on the farm and get an update from Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Ag Professionals.
Read MoreLearn about the new Controlled Agriculture Research Complex at Ohio State and other plans for the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resource Laboratory.
Read MoreLearn more about food-grade soybeans, Ohio State’s new Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute and how to protect yourself from farm nuisances.
Read MoreIan Sheldon and Brent Sohngen take a look at the causes of inflation and how energy markets will impact agriculture, respectively, in the latest Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast.
Read MoreState Climatologist Aaron Wilson and Ohio State Assistant Professor Margaret Jodlowski give an outlook for the weather and ag labor, respectively, for the debut of the Ohio Farm Bureau Podcast.
Read More